Zimmerman, 28, has said he acted in self defense on Feb. 26 when he shot the 17-year-old African-American teen in Sanford, Fla. Martin’s family and supporters, however, allege that neighborhood watch volunteer Zimmerman racially profiled the young man, followed him and that local authorities did not move swiftly enough to investigate the case and arrest Zimmerman.

As Martin’s family became increasingly frustrated, word of what happened spread and protests were held in cities across the nation. The case has renewed the national discussion about race relations and racial profiling.